Sam Smith has confirmed their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan, sharing the news days after releasing the single “Oh Mother” featuring The TwoCity Chorus from their forthcoming fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes.
Smith told The New York Times that Cowan is now their fiancé and that the relationship inspired much of the album, set for release August 21 via Capitol Records. The album’s title references Cowan’s hazel-colored eyes. Smith also revealed that the track “Everlasting Love” from Hazel Eyes was first written the night before the couple’s first date and was completed as the relationship developed.
The project follows Smith’s 2023 album Gloria, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Smith has earned seven top 10 hits on the Hot 100, including the No. 2-peaking breakthrough ballad “Stay With Me,” and their 2017 album The Thrill of It All debuted atop the Billboard 200.
In the interview, Smith discussed making Hazel Eyes outside the traditional pop songwriting system, collaborating with a close-knit group of creatives including indie singer-songwriter Feist. Smith described the project as more personal and creatively freeing, exploring themes from the joy of lasting love to heartbreak and healing.
Smith also reflected on crafting openly queer love songs during a time when LGBTQ+ rights face challenges. “For me, there’s something radical about being queer in this time, in this world and singing love songs,” Smith said. “I’m not going to allow the poison that I read and that I see to affect my way of loving.”
See Sam Smith live
Upcoming Sam Smith events with tickets available:
- Aug 17, 2026 — Auditorio Nacional – Mexico, Mexico City, Ciudad de Mexico · Get tickets
- Sep 11, 2026 — London Coliseum Theatre, London, Greater London · Get tickets
- Sep 12, 2026 — London Coliseum Theatre, London, Greater London · Get tickets
- Sep 18, 2026 — London Coliseum Theatre, London, Greater London · Get tickets
- Sep 19, 2026 — London Coliseum Theatre, London, Greater London · Get tickets
Source: Billboard
